THE next generation of aspiring foresters and timber workers are being given the keys to fast-track their career thanks to an innovative pathway program.
A total of 12 students from Limestone Coast schools are enrolled in the inaugural Forestry Pathways program which helps manage recruitment gaps in the Green Triangle sector.
Starting as early as Year 10, students can study for up to three years working towards a Certificate III in Forest and Wood Products and earn credit toward their South Australian Certificate of Education.
The program-led by OneFortyOne and backed by industry and the Education Department – has received widespread support from the sector with several organisation volunteering to host and mentor students.
NF McDonnell and Sons chief executive Craig Nisbet said the training was invaluable in providing a new channel to highlight career opportunities in the sector.
“There is a good balance of theory and practice from local industry identities so these students can get a real hands-on perspective of careers available in the forestry sector,” Mr Nisbet said.
Among this year’s students to benefit is Tenison Woods College’s Fergus Calderwood, who said the lure of being out in the bush was the primary attraction.
“I hope to one day have a career (in forestry), hopefully driving machinery,” he said.
The use of a harvesting simulator provided Fergus and his classmates with a taste of how to use the technical million-dollar equipment on a recent field day.
Earlier this month students learnt how to grade wood, recognising and marking quality issues with various pine log.
They will soon learn how to build effective workplace communication skills and gain an understanding of the importance of workplace health and safety.
OneFortyOne’s Linda Cotterill said the program did more than just recruit future talent.
“It’s about sharing with our local youth the role forestry plays in our community as one of the largest employers and that it offers long term, sustainable employment in a wide range of roles like operators, trades, foresters, lawyers, accountants, safety, human resource experts and more,” she said.
The pathway program i s currently open to all secondary schools in the Limestone Coast with hopes of extending its reach to western Victorian schools in the coming years.
Up to 15 students are recruited via an application process starting in August each year from Years 10 to 12.
The Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub has supported the program, recognising the need to attract and retain staff as a key pillar in its strategic plan.
Hub executive general manager Liz McKinnon said the recruitment shortfall had forced some companies to look at global avenues to recruit staff.
She said the Hub workplan was identifying areas of skill shortages required over the next decade and the creation of mentor and cadetship programs to support emerging talent.
“Together this work is assisting to attract, upskill and develop a workforce that holds the skills to meet future needs,” she said.
“We are confident that through this important learning pathway these talented young students, including a growing number of women, will gain a greater understanding of the forest sector and consider it as a worthy future career path.”
